In a significant exchange of grassroots knowledge, the quiet village of Damla in Yamunanagar district, Haryana, transformed into an international learning hub this Wednesday. The village, now gaining recognition as a centre for rural innovation, welcomed a 15-member international delegation from the African nations of Mozambique and Zambia.
Studying India's Agricultural Success
The visit was orchestrated under a Mozambican-led initiative with a clear goal: to deeply study India's proven models in agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. The delegation's primary aim was to observe successful Indian innovations in farming and small-scale enterprise. Their mission was to assess how these effective models could be adapted and implemented across various African nations to boost farmer incomes and promote sustainable, resilient livelihoods.
Showcasing Transformative Machinery
The visiting team was hosted by the renowned two-time National Award winner Dharamvir Kamboj, widely known as Dharamvir Kisan. The delegates received a comprehensive briefing on his acclaimed multi-purpose food-processing machine, a tool that has revolutionized prospects for local farmers and entrepreneurs.
A detailed live demonstration captivated the audience, showing how common fruits and vegetables can be efficiently processed into value-added products like juices and concentrates. The international experts closely examined how this single machine empowers farmers by:
- Minimising post-harvest wastage significantly.
- Enabling product diversification at the village level.
- Substantially enhancing income through local value addition.
The delegates expressed strong interest in the machine's efficiency, affordability, and its clear potential to empower rural communities. These very qualities make it a highly suitable candidate for replication within African agricultural ecosystems facing similar challenges.
Insights from a Master Beekeeper
Adding another layer to the knowledge exchange, Subhash Kamboj, one of India's foremost beekeepers, was also present. Kamboj's innovative work has earned him a mention twice by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address. He shared in-depth expertise with the delegation, covering advanced beekeeping practices, diverse honey extraction techniques, and the expanding commercial opportunities for a range of honey-based products.
This visit underscores the growing global interest in India's homegrown, frugal innovations developed at the grassroots level. It highlights how villages like Damla are not just beneficiaries of development but are becoming crucial exporters of knowledge and practical solutions to the developing world, fostering South-South cooperation in sustainable development.
